How to Travel to Ladakh: Best Routes, Tips & Travel Guide

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Dreaming of that one epic vacation to Ladakh but stuck on how to get to Leh Ladakh? Should you fly straight to Leh or take the epic road trip? What about altitude sickness? And do you need special permits? Or are you considering a Leh Ladakh package for a hassle-free trip? Don’t worry!

Ladakh isn’t just a place—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a biker craving adventure, a traveler seeking peace by the lakes, or someone who just wants to see what the hype is all about, this guide will help you plan the perfect journey. From choosing the best route to tackling high altitudes like a pro, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get rolling!

How to Travel to Ladakh By Air: The Fastest and Easiest Way!

If you’re wondering how to plan for Leh Ladakh trip and want the quickest and most convenient way to get there, flying is your best bet. No bumpy roads, no long hours of driving—just a short flight straight to Leh, and boom, you’re in the land of high passes!

Plus, air travel is the only year-round option, making it the most reliable choice, especially when road routes shut down due to snowfall.

Leh Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport

The one and only airport in Ladakh is the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh. It’s one of the highest commercial airports in the world, sitting at 3,256 meters above sea level!

Why is this airport important?

It’s the primary gateway to Ladakh.
It has regular flight connections to major Indian cities.
It’s a military airbase, so security checks here are extra strict.

Flight Connectivity

Several domestic airlines operate flights to Leh, including:

Go First
IndiGo
Vistara
SpiceJet
Air India

Major Flight Routes:

Direct Flights: Delhi to Leh, Srinagar to Leh, and Jammu to Leh are the most popular direct connections.
Connecting Flights: Cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore usually have one-stop flights via Delhi or Chandigarh.

Pro Tip: Book your tickets early—especially during the best time to visit Ladakh (May to September), as prices can skyrocket!

How to Travel to Ladakh by Train: Is It Really Possible?

Wondering how to visit Leh ladakh by train? Well, here’s the truth—there’s no railway station in Ladakh! The closest station is Jammu Tawi, around 700 km away, while Chandigarh and Pathankot are also possible alternatives but even farther.

If you do take a train, be ready for a long but scenic road trip ahead! From these stations, you’ll need to hop into a taxi, jeep, or bus, and the journey can take two to three days, depending on your route.

How to Travel to Ladakh by Road: The Ultimate Scenic Drive

Thinking about how to plan for Leh Ladakh trip in the most thrilling way possible? A road trip to Ladakh is the ultimate answer! Whether you’re in a car, on a bus, or riding a bike, the journey is as breathtaking as the destination.

Via Manali-Leh Highway (Approx. 474 km)

If you’re wondering how to get to Leh Ladakh and crave adventure, this is the route for you! Twisting roads, steep ascents, and rugged landscapes make it a paradise for thrill-seekers.

Route: Manali → Rohtang Pass → Keylong → Jispa → Sarchu → Leh
Best Time: June to September
What to Expect: Rohtang Pass’s misty charm, the surreal beauty of Sarchu, and the legendary Gata Loops’ 21 hairpin bends.
Road Conditions: Challenging, with rough patches and river crossings—expect some serious off-roading fun!
Travel Time: Around 12–16 hours (best split over two days for a smoother ride).

Via Srinagar-Leh Highway (Approx. 434 km)

This route is relatively easier and smoother, with mesmerizing views of Kashmir’s valleys before transitioning into Ladakh’s barren beauty. Here’s a guide on how to get to Leh Ladakh via Srinagar-Leh Highway:

Route: Srinagar → Sonmarg → Zoji La → Drass → Kargil → Leh
Best Time: May to October
What to Expect: The legendary Zoji La Pass, a stop at Drass (the second coldest inhabited place in the world), and a visit to the iconic Kargil War Memorial.
Road Conditions: Generally better than the Manali route, with a mix of smooth highways and some tricky mountain stretches.
Travel Time: Around 10–14 hours (best done over two days).

Bike Trip to Ladakh—The Ultimate Dream Ride!

Ladakh is a dream destination for bikers! Most riders take the Manali-Leh or Srinagar-Leh route, but many also explore beyond Leh—to Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri. A bike trip to Zanskar Valley is another ultimate adventure for biking enthusiasts!